Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer won two national championships together at Florida. / Chris Graythen, Getty Images

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

What's been the biggest obstacle in the stalling career of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow?

His college coach, Urban Meyer, traces Tebow's current state of limbo back to the firing of Josh McDaniels, the coach who drafted Tebow to the Denver Broncos in the first round three years ago.

"It's a great question," Meyer tells USA TODAY Sports. "I think that his coaching transition is a big part of it, with the guy that drafted him in the first round getting fired immediately. Then he goes to New York and that doesn't work out the way they envisioned."

That's for sure. The Jets are expected to trade or release Tebow this offseason after acquiring him last March and predicting he would take about 25% of starter Mark Sanchez's snaps. He took about 10% and completed six passes with 102 yards rushing.

So what's next? Where is the next stop for the former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback?

"I'm like anyone else," says Meyer, the former Florida and current Ohio State coach. "I'm just waiting to see what happens."

Did Meyer ever guess Tebow might find himself in this spot, three years into an NFL career?

"It is a surprise for me. He has a unique skill set. But I have faith in Tim, and I think it will work out."

Meyer says he talks to Tebow every week and believes he can succeed in a spread offense like the ones used in varying degrees this season by the Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers.

Newsday tracked down Tebow in Arizona on Wednesday, but he told the newspaper he's "just working out."